A lot can be conveyed without dialogue and in There’s Something in the Bag, writer/director Dylan Volker effectively tells the story of two men in the desert with a large, mysterious bag without the need for a single word to be spoken. Plenty is communicated through looks exchanged between the men and the fatigue on their faces, plus the blood on their shirts hints at an interesting backstory that makes me want to know more. I can’t give away too much about the story except to say that when it was done it had me wishing this was the opening scene of a longer film which would either show the circumstances that led them to this point or continue the story, either would be intriguing to see. Volker’s shots are well crafted and intentional although if I did have a minor note it would be just a touch less shake on the handheld ones. Overall, a very engaging short with some impressive effects towards the end and certainly a story and filmmaker I would like to see more of in the future.

Availability: Widely Available

The full film is available on Volker’s YouTube channel @dylanvolkers.